'Mower Man' returns home from biggest journey yet

The 77-day journey took Claude through 36 Queensland towns, raising funds for the national child protection charity, Bravehearts.

Cluade, now 66 years old, became involved in Bravehearts after learning of a paedophile being arrested for sexually assaulting his neighbour's children.

The story deeply affected Claude and a decade later he has now raised almost $500,000 for the charity.

As he walked back into town from his latest trip, he was greeted by a crowd gathered at the Bravehearts office in Arundel.

"It was an awesome trip, I absolutely love doing this for Bravehearts," he says.

"People were supportive all the way and I just want to thank people for putting me up and for donating - people have just been awesome to me."

Although he did encounter some challenges along the way.

"But I said 'righto I'll do something about it and nothing is going to stop me from doing this walk.' I decided that I would keep going.

"I went through four pairs of sandals and I nearly fell over one pair because all the tread underneath was pretty slippery ... it nearly cost me my life at one stage!

"But when I think about these children, I want to walk all the more."

The walk also took its toll on his lawnmower.

"The tyres are pretty bald - I went through one town and a policeman put $20 in my bucket and then he pulled out his book and said 'now I'm going to book you for having bald tyres, but it was only a joke," he laughs.

"Claude is amazing, he just surprises us every year. He comes up with these ideas and we say 'no Claude, it's too far, you can't do it' but he's a very determined man and he's done it again," Hetty says.

"For every kilometre of that journey a child was provided access to our education programs, to prevent them from becoming a victim of sexual assault. He did that on his own. What can one person do? - that's what one person can do."

Hetty says the money raised goes directly to services for children.

"That's the beautiful thing, and it's what drives Claude and all of us really, it's about the real effect this is having on real children."

During this trip Claude raised $88,000 (at last count) but since he started volunteering for the charity, he has raised a total of almost $500,000.

"This is just extraordinary, it makes him our largest donor, he's just amazing."

Over the years Hetty has also forged a personal relationship with Claude.

"He's a soul mate, he's passionate. So many of us around Bravehearts, and I'm sure around the community, feel for this issue. But actually getting off your couch and doing something is different again, and Claude has just taken that leap. I'm proud of him, I'm just really proud of him, and grateful."